Detergent-filled disposable paper dishcloth



1964 s. B. AFFLECK ETAL 3,121,249

DETERGENT-FILLED DISPOSABLE PAPER DISHCLOTH Filed April 12, 1962 hen B.Affleck Robert R. Eurley Elwood LcFollefle INVENTORJ AGENT United StatesPatent 3,121,249 DETERGENT-FELED DESPOSABLE PAPER DIS-HCLQTH Stephen B.Aiheclr and Robert R. Earley, Cincinnati,

Ohio, and Elwood L. La Follette, Lawrencehnrg, 11111., assignors to TueProcter & Gamble (Iompany, Cincinnati, Ohio, a corporation of Ohio FiledApr. 12, 1962, Ser. No. 186,996 11 Claims. (Cl. 15-506) This inventionrelates to detergent impregnated fibrous structures for the cleansing ofdishes and other articles.

In the cleansing of dishes, kitchenware, and utensils, etc., by hand, itis common practice to immerse the soiled dishes in a container, or sink,filled with warm water containing some cleansing substance. Thecleansing substance may be either soap or a non-soap detergentsurfactant composition. The non-soap surfactant compositions, however,have been found generally more effective on the greasy food soilsassociated with dishes. After soap or detergent, dishes and water areadded to the container or sink in any order, the dishes are generallyscrubbed, scoured or wiped with a cloth of open, stringy Weave, referredto as a dishcloth. Sponges and brushes of various types have also beenused to perform the scrubbing function, although a dishcloth iscustomarily employed. This mechanical action aids the cleansing processby mechanically agitating the food and grease particles clinging to thedishes and by carrying the soap or detergent solution to the dishsurfaces.

Further, the dishcloth agitates the water solution of soap or detergentso that loosened grease and soil particles are emulsified or otherwiseput into solution or suspension by action of the cleansing substance.

The disadvantage of the procedure outlined above is that it isaccomplished by a more or less inexact addition of amounts of cleansingsubstance to the water and is culminated by the necessity of storing awet dishcloth or other spongious body between dishwashing operations. Inaddition to the problem of where to hang the dishcloth for drying, thehousewife is confronted with either the inconvenience of meticulouslycleansing the dishcloth, itself, after each use, or the liability ofincurring a kitchen nuisance problem. This nuisance problem is made upof the mildew, odors and other products of bacterial or fungal actionassociated with damp porous bodies containing organic material. Variousmeans have been suggested or employed in an attempt to eliminate thenuisance of a dishcloth and to improve the exactitude with which amountsof detergents are added to batches of soiled dishes. These means,ranging from the simple loading of a single paper sheet with soap,cleansing powder, or detergent, as disclosed by US. 2,112,963, issuedApril 5, 193 8, to Harold H. I ones, to the provision of multi-layerstructures like those disclosed by US. 2,665,528, issued January 12,1954, to George L. Sternfield and Myron W. Block, have all been subjectto faults in such factors as the wet strength of the paper, the amountand type of detergent added, the absorbency of the structure, and thewet handling quality of the paper structure.

To alleviate these faults in the prior art it is proposed, in accordancewith the present invention, to provide a disposable, uniformlydetergent-loaded paper laminate having improved strength, absorptivecapacity, detergent loading, handle and other desirable attributes foraccomplishing the dishwashing function.

More specifically, it is proposed, in accordance with the presentinvention, to provide a disposable, uniformly detergent-loaded paperlaminate having at least two plies of wet-strength paper bonded togetherwith a continuous open-grid pattern composed of a printable plastisolformula and uniformly impregnated on at least one ply with 3,121,249Patented Feb. 18, 1954 operative amounts of a non-soap detergentsurfactant composition. The term plastisol as used herein refers toplastic formulations which contain, in addition to powderedthermoplastic resins and liquid plasticizers, minor amounts of acompatible release agent. Because of the addition of release agents, thepreferred plastisol formulations are readily printable and may be propermembers of the organosol class. In this manner, as set forth in greaterdetail hereinbelow, it is possible to provide a disposable paperdishcloth which possesses substantially the same wethandlingcharacteristics and scouring ability of a nondisposable dishcloth and atthe same time releases the required amount of detergent when employed ina dishwashing or similar operation.

It is, therefore, an object of this invention to provide a disposable,uniformly detergent-loaded paper dishcloth.

Another object of this invention is to provide a disposable, uniformlydetergent-loaded paper dishcloth of laminated paper construction havingsubstantially the sarne wet-handlin g characteristics asa non-disposabledishcloth.

A still further object of this invention is to provide a laminated,wet-strength, paper structure, at least one ply of which is uniformlyimpregnated with effective amounts of a non-soap detergent surfactant,whose plies are held together by a continuous open-grid pattern composedof a bonding agent which contributes wet-bursting and wettearingstrength to the structure without substantially interfering with thelateral or vertical movement of liquids within the individual plies ofthe laminate.

till further objects of this invention will become apparent by referenceto the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanyingdrawing wherein:

FIGURE 1 is a fragmentary plan view of a two-ply embodiment of adisposable, detergent-loaded paper dishcloth with the top ply cut awayand peeled back to show the continuous open-grid bonding employedaccording to the present invention;

FIGURE 2 is an enlarged cross sectional view of the disposable paperdishcloth of FIGURE 1, taken along the line 2-2, which diagrammaticallydepicts the ply spacing effected by the bonding grid pattern.

FIGURE 3 is a fragmentary plan of a three-ply embodiment of the presentdisposable, detergent-loaded paper dishcloth with the top andintermediate plies cut away and peeled back to show the continuousopen-grid bonding pattern between the plies;

FIGURE 4 is an enlarged cross sectional view of the disposable paperdishcloth of FIGURE 3, taken along the line 4-4, which diagrammaticallydepicts the ply spacing effected between the three plies by thecontinuous opengrid bonding pattern.

Referring to FIGURES 1 and 2 of the drawing, it will be noted that, inits least complex form, the essential elements of the disposable,detergent-loaded paper dishcloth are a bottom sheet 10 of wet-strengthpaper bonded to a top sheet 11 of wet-strength paper by a continuousopen-grid pattern of bonding lines 12 formed of a fused plastisolformula. It will be understood throughout the instant application that,although the plies of the present dishcloth may be formed of wet-creped,dry-creped and uncreped wet-strength toweling papers and combinationsthereof, the creped papers are preferred because of the resiliency,absorbency and surface characteristics which they contribute. In FIGURE1 the continuous open-grid bonding lines are depicted as straight linesgenerally parallel and at angles of degrees with the paper edges andforming'squares; in FIGURE 3 the bonding lines are depicted as generallyparallel, undulating or wavy lines intersecting to define generallysquare areas, the sides of which are essentially parallel with the paperedges. In general, within the other limitations set forth herein, al-

though certain patterns set forth hereinbelow are preferred, there is nolimitation on the type of continuous open-grid bonding pattern employed.Therefore, it is contemplated that any continuous open-grid pattern,including squares, diamonds, touching circles and combinations thereof,is Within the scope of the present invention. Likewise, although two andthree ply combinations are shown and described to illustrate the presentinvention, laminates having four or more plies within practical limitsare effective in practicing the present invention and will occur tothose skilled in the art. The drawing also serves to illustrate that thebond between the thermoplastic grid and the paper plies involves onlythe outer fibers of the plies so that the lateral movement of liquidwithin the individual plies is substantially unrestricted. In themanufacture of a disposable, detergent-filled paper dishcloth like thatshown in FIGURES l and 2, a bottom sheet of wet strength paper It is fedfrom a parent roll and has continuously applied to its surface, by anyconvenient means, a continuous open-grid bonding pattern composed of afusible plastisol formula. A printing system, known as intaglio, whereinpigmented bonding materials are-deposited from grooves in a roller hasbeen found preferable in the present laminate formulation, but anysystem capable of placing the plastisol in the required pattern isacceptable for use in forming the paper structure. These systemsinclude, for example, offset printing and extrusion of the plastisolthru orifices. Although a continuous application of plastisol to acontinuous sheet is described herein, a non-continuous system whereinindividual sheets of paper are laminated,

or a system wherein the feed from the above mentioned parent rolls isintermittent, can also be employed. Similarly, although the continuoussystem is adapted to the formation of laminates wherein the machinedirection of the various plies runs in the same direction, the adoptionof single sheet or intermittent systems will make possible the formationof laminates in which the machine direction of the alternate paper pliesare at right angles to each other.

The base sheet, having the open-grid pattern of bonding plastisolapplied thereon, is then brought into contact with another sheet on thestill tacky printed side so that a bond is formed between the two sheetswith the continuous bonding pattern sandwiched between the plies. Withdifferent printing arrangements, the top instead of the bottom sheet canbe printed. Also, in laminates having more than two plies, the bondingpattern can be applied in any manner which provides a bonding patternbetween adjacent plies. rection bond lines can be formed on one plywhile the transverse lines are formed on a second ply before bring ingthe pattern side of the plies together.

In a three ply embodiment of the present invention as illustrated inFIGURES "3 and 4, therefore, the required bonding patterns may either beprinted on both surfaces of the center sheet or on two of the plies. Thethree-ply embodiment depicted shows the two bonding patterns inregister, which is preferable but not essential.

I a The plastisol pattern sandwiched between the plies is fused bysubjecting the laminate to the fusion temperature of thethermoplasticresin employed in the plastisol fora sufficient length of time to fusethe powdered plastic resin together and to bond it to the outermostfibers 'of the adjoining plies. The time and temperature necessary tofuse and bend a given thermoplastic formulation without causing it'toslump can be easily determined by those skilled in the art. It isimportant to fuse and bond the thermoplastic without the application ofexces- 's'ive heat because, if the plastic runs, ply separation will Forinstance, the machine dibe lessened. Plastic fluidity caused byexcesive'heat will also permit penetration of the thermoplastic into orthru the paper at the bonding lines, and is to be avoided so that theabsorbency of the plies at these points is substantially undiminished.With the polyvinyl chloride resins, however, maximum grid strengths areobtained at longer curing times; for example, 350 F. for a period ofabout 5 minutes to about 10 minutes. Higher temperatures can also beemployed for shorter periods to avoid charring the paper plies. The heatnecessary to accomplish the fusion of the powdered thermoplastic in theplastisol pattern and its bonding to the outermost fibers of the papercan be applied in any convenient manner. For example, the laminate canbe passed thru a zone heated by electrical resistance elements, steamcoils, infrared lamps or dielectric heating.

The laminate passes from the heated zone to a relatively cooler zone,which may be at room temperature or may consist of a cooled zone in ahigher speed process. This cooled zone solidifies the thermoplastic inits fused form.

One or both of the outside plies of the laminate are then impregnated orcoated by spraying, dipping, doctoring, orifice or roller techniques,with aqueous or solvent solutions of detergent solids so that thedetergent solids are absorbed in one or more plies of the laminate. Ifdesired, the treated laminate can be passed between rolls to furtherdistribute the detergent.

The detergent-treated laminate can be used without drying, but, for thepurposes of packaging and distributing the product dishcloths, they aredried to a moisture range of between about 10% and about 50% byconventional drying methods.

Since perfumes are susceptible to loss and odor change under dryingconditions they are preferably applied by spraying or otherwise to thedetergent-impregnated dishcloths after drying.

The dishcloths are then packaged for distribution in any manneracceptable for packaging conventional towel or tissue products. Thesemethods include, for example, cutting the dishcloth laminate stock intoindividual dishcloths and packaging them in dispensing boxes. (thedishcloth laminate stock can also be prepared in the form of towel rollswith perforations to allow easy separation of a single dishcloth. Thetowel-roll type package can 7 dishcloth comprised of a detergent-loadedpaper laminate of at least two plies of paper selected from Wetcreped,dry-creped and uncreped toweling papers and combinations thereof can bemade to have certain unique advantages in the dishwashing operation.These advantages accrue from the combination of structure, paperbonding-agent formulation and detergent type employed in the presentdisposable paper dishcloth. Among the benefits derived are theincorporation of a greater fiber weight content via multi-ply laminationto give desirable wet strength and absorbency without the stiffnessresulting from the same fiber weight content employed 7 "as a singleply. A further advantage is the use, for

bonding the laminate, of a plastisol formula which is bulky and yetpliable so that a good scouring property is attained in the dishcloth,and the necessary bond to make the plies act in conjunction is achieved.All of these benefits are realized without substantially affecting theabsorbency of the product dishcloth and Without essentially affectingthe lateral or vertical flow ofliquids in its plies, since the bondingpattern aifects only a small percentage, 6% or less, of the plies andbonds only the b outer fibers. For these reasons water can wick toportions of the dishcloth not in contact with wet surfaces and the fullabsorptive capacity of the disholoths can be utilized. Another advantageaccrues from the use in the combination of a plastisol formula which hasthe proper pliability to prevent the dishcloth from wadding when wetwith Water or detergent solution and yet has sufficient resiliency toresult in a cloth-like product. The use of detergent solids incombination with paper affords the advantage of retarding their release.In this manner their cleansing action persists until all the dishes arewashed, and repeated use of the dishcloth can be made if a few dishesare washed at a time.

In achieving the results of the present invention it is important thatthe selected paper have the qualities of softness, extensibility andabsorbency as well as the necessary wet-strength to withstand the rigorsof dishwashing. Papers having these attributes are referred to herein astoweling papers. Although toweling paper furnishes composed of otherpaper-making fibers and containing or treated with other wet'strengthagents can be used, the preferred paper for the practice of the presentinvention contains about 25% sulfite hardwood fibers, about 74% sulfatesoftwood fibers and about 1% of a polyamide epichlorohydrin (modifiedurea formalde hyde) wet-strength resin.

The terms wet-creped and dry-creped used herein refer to papers in whichthe creping is accomplished in the wet and the dry states, the preferredWet creped and dry creped papers having 1-2% crepe and 1215% creperespectively. Toweling papers having other percentages of crepe can alsobe used in this invention, although an appreciable crepe percentage ispreferred because creping lends extensibility and tends to enhance suchfactors as the handle and the strength of the product.

Viscous plastisol formulations which have been used in the practice ofthe present invention are tabulated below:

TABLE I.-PLASTISOL FORMULATIONS The glycol components of theformulations set forth in Table I above act as release agents in theprinting of the continuous open-grid bonding pattern and, should other 6means the used for placing the bonding pattern on the paper, forexample, extrusion thru orifices onto the surface of the paper, theserelease agents are unnecessary.

Of the plastisol formulations set forth in the table above, Formula A ispreferred and is the formulation employed in the preferred practice ofthis invention, although the remainder of the tabulated formulations andothers of similar type using polyethylene can be employed. It isimportant, however, that the plastisol formulation print cleanly, ifthis method of applying the bonding pattern is employed, and not slumpbetween printing and fusing. These attributes are important todeveloping the scouring facility, wet strength, and appearance of thepaper dishclotlr product.

Other thermoplastic resins which can be used in place of polyvinylchloride in the plastisol binding patterns of the present invention togive corresponding advantages are: the polystyrenes, the polyamides, theethyl celluloses, the cellulose nitrates, the cellulose propionates, thebutyrates, the acetates and the acrylics.

Anionic organic detergents which can be used in the compositions of thisinvention alone or in admixture include both the soap and non-soapdetergents, although the latter materials are preferred as statedhereinbefore. Examples of soaps which can be used are the sodium,potassium, ammonium and alkylolamrnonium salts of higher fatty acids (C-C Particularly useful are the sodium and potassium salts of themixtures of fatty acids derived from coconut oil and tallow, i.e.,sodium or potassium tallow and coconut soap. Examples of anionic organicnon-soap detergents are: alkyl glyceryl ether sulfonates; alkylsulfates; alkyl monoglyceride sulfates or sulfonates; alkyl polyethenoxyether sulfates; acyl sarcosinates; acyl esters of isethionates; acylN-methyl taurides; alkyl benzene sulfonates; alkyl phenol polyethenoxysulfonates. In these compounds the alkyl and acyl groups, respectively,contain 10 to 20 carbon atoms. They are used in the form of watersolublesalts, the sodium, potassium, ammonium or alkylolamrnonium salts, forexample. Specific examples are: sodium lauryl sulfate; potassiumN-methyl lauroyl tauride; triethanolamine dodecyl benzene sulfonate.

Examples of nonionic organic detergents which can be used in thecompositions of this invention alone or in admixture are: polyethyleneoxide condensates of alkyl phenols wherein the alkyl group contains from6 to 12 carbon atoms (e.g., t-octylphenol) and the ethylene oxide ispresent in a molar ratio of ethylene oxide to alkyl phenol in the rangeof 10:1 to 25:1; condensation products of ethylene oxide with theproduct resulting from the reaction of propylene oxide and ethylenediamine wherein the molecular weight of the condensation products rangesfrom 5000 to 11,000; condensation products TABLE II.DETERGENTFORMULATIONS Components Ammonium salt of the sulfated condensationproduct of one mole of middle-cut coconut alcohol, containing about 2%C10, 66% C12, 23% C and 9% C alcohols, with 3 moles of ethylene oxide.percent Sodium salt of the sulfated condensation product of one mole ofmiddle-cut coconut alcohol, containing about 2% C10, 66% C12, 23% C 4and 9% C alcohols, with 3 moles of ethylene oxide percent.

Alkyl dimethyl amine oxide of middle-cut coconut alcohol containingabout 2% C10, 66% C12, 23% C 4 and 9% C alcohols percent Coconutmonoethanol amide of coconut fatty acids having an approximate carbonchain length distribution of 8% Ca, 7% C10, 48% C 2, 17% C14. 9% C15, 2%C18, 7% oleic, and 2% linoleic (the first six fatty acids listed beingsaturated) "percent" Sodium salt of the sulfonated reaction product of amixture of 4- parts by weight of middle-cut coconut alcohol (containingapproximately Cm, 66% C12, 23% C14, and 9% Cm alcohols) and 3 parts byweight tallow alcohol (derived from tallow-fatty acids approximately2.5% Cu, 28% C16, 23% C18, 2% palmitoleic, 41.5% oleic and 3% lino-1eicthe first three acids listed are saturated) with epiclilorohyclrinpercent do Propylene glycol- Ethanol H2O, perfume, and coloring ..do

of from about to 30 moles of ethylene oxide with one mole of a straightor branched chain aliphatic alcohol containing from 8 to 18 carbon atoms(e.g., lauryl alcohol); C -C alkyl di-(C C alkyl) amine oxides (e.g.,dodecyl dimethyl amine oxide); mono and diethanolamine condensates withhigher fatty acids.

Several examples of detergent formulations which have been used in thepractice of the present invention are set forth in Table H.

Of the detergent formulations set forth in the table above, Formula 1 isthe formulation employed in the preferred practice of the presentinvention, although the remainder of the tabulated formulations andothers of similar type can be employed.

The test results reported herein were obtained by the following methods:

The wet tensile strengths were obtained by a method adapted from thatset forth in the Oificial Standard method of the Technical Associationof the Pulp and Paper Industry, entitled Tensile Breaking Strength ofPaper and Paperboard, and designated as T 404 n150. The standard methodwas modified in that the distance separating the clamps was reduced to 4inches instead of 7.1104 inches. Further modifications consisted ofusing test specimens having a width of one inch and wetting the specimenthoroughly on both sides with water after clamping it in the testapparatus. The results are reported in grams per inch of test specimenwidth.

Similarly, the Wet mullen burst test data were obtained by an adaptationof the Official Standard method, designated as Bursting Strength ofPaper, T 403 m-53, wherein the test specimen was thoroughly saturatedwith water prior to clamping it in the test apparatus. The results arereported as the average pounds per square inch necessary to rupture thetest specimens.

The tear test data were obtained by an adaptation of the standardmethod, entitled Internal Tearing Resistance of Paper, T 414 m-49. Thestandard method was modified by using 8 or 16 sheets per test, asrequired for the total units to fall between 20 and 60, and bysaturating the sheets prior to clamping them in the test apparatus. Theresults are reported as the scale units of a standard Elmendorf tearingtester necessary to tear one sheet.

The capability of a wet dishcloth in absorbing water was arrived at bysuccessively immersing and hand wringing a dishcloth, and measuring thegrams of water wrung from the dishcloth. The successive immersing andwringing operations were continued until such time as the weights ofwater wrung from the discloth after each immersion were substantiallythe same. This constant weight in grams was considered an effectivemeasure of the water absorptive capability of a given dishcloth undernormal conditions of use.

In the preferred embodiment of the present invention the individualplies of the disposable dishcloths have a total fiber content of fromabout 15 pounds to about 25 pounds per ream or 3000 square feet ofpaper. Also, the preferred dishcloths have an area of about 120 to about250 square inches. The plies of these detergent loaded paper laminatesare bonded together by a continuous open grid pattern comprised of fromabout 2 pounds to about 10 pounds of a plastisol per 3000 square feet ofdishcloth for a 2 ply product and a like additional amount for eachadditional ply. The plastisol is fused to form a pliable thermoplastic:resin pattern. Preferably, the open-grid pattern renders not more thanabout 6% of the surface of .a bonded ply non-absorbent, and saidlaminate has applied on its surface from about 12 pounds to about 26pounds per 3000 square feet of a detergent active applied in the form ofa liquid or paste containing from about 25% to'about 65% of detergentsolids. Although the detergent-loaded laminates can be used asdishcloths without drying, it is preferable for packaging and handlingconvenience, to dry them to a moisture content of about 15% to about25%. Perfumes can be added to the dishcloths, if desired, to en-v hancetheir attractiveness.

grams per inch of width in the weakest direction, a wet mullen bursttest of at least 4 pounds per square inch and a wet tear of at least 3.7tear units per sheet. Fun thermore, dishcloths formed in the preferredmanner are capable of absorbing at least grams per 120 square inches ofdishcloth of water from a wet surface after being thoroughly wetted andwrung out. Dishcloths formed according to this practice exhibitqualities of absorbency, softness and pliability together with scouringand wet handling characteristics especially suited to dishwashing.

The invention will be further illustrated inugreater detail by thefollowing specific examples. It should be understood, however, thatalthough these examples describe in detail some of the specificembodiments of the invention, they are given primarily for the purposesof illustration and the invention in its broader aspects is not to beconstrued as limited thereto.

Example I A disposable paper dishcloth is formed by printing 6 poundsper 3000- square feet of surface of plastisol formulation A from Table Iin a continuous open grid pattern consisting of /s inch squares, thestraight lines of which are at a 45 degree angle with the machinedirection of the paper, onto a continuous moving web of 20 pound basisweight (basis weight weight/3000 sq. ft.) wet-cr'eped, wet-strengthpaper. The paper of this and the succeeding examples is composed of thepreferred furnish containing sulfite hardwood fibers, 74%

kraft softwood fibers and 1% polyarnide-epichlorohydrin wet strengthresin. The paper has a crepe of 2%,. A second continuously moving web ofidentical paper is then brought into contact with the still tackycontinuous open-grid pattern so as to sandwich the pattern between thetwo paper plies and bond them together. The soformed laminate is thenpassed into an oven where the powdered thermoplastic of the plastisol isfused together and to the outer fibers of the paper plies by beingsubjected to a temperature of 325 F. for a period of seconds. Thethermoplastic is not rendered fluid by this application of heat and theplastisol retains the raised form in which it was deposited on theinitial sheet. The

cooled laminate is then treated by coating roll applica-. tion withapproximately 38 pounds per 3000 sq, ft. of detergent formulation (-1)from Table II. ing procedure results in the deposition of approximately17 pounds per 3000 sq. ft. of detergent solids in the plies of thelaminate. The treated laminate is then passed between squeeze rolls todistribute the detergent solu-" tion uniformly, following which it ispassed thru a drying chamber which reduces its moisture content to avalue in equilibrium with the ambient air, e.g. approximatelyDetergent-filled disposable paper dishcloths having dimensions of 12inches by 14- inches are then cut rom the dried paper laminate andfolded by conven-K The dishcloths of this example have'a tional means.wet tensile strength of 1076 grams per inch in the crossmachinedirection and 1999 grams per inch in the machine direction, a wetbursting strength of 5.1 pounds per square inch, and a wet tear test of7.1 units per sheet. The ave-rage water absorptive capability of adishcloth formed according to this example is 36 grams per dishcloth.Substantially the same results are obtained if The preferred dishclothsof this invention have a wet tensile strength of at least 550' Thistreat:

. 9 placed in a package with a cutter bar for the same purpose.Dry-creped papers may be substituted for the wetcreped papers of thisexample with substantially the same results. The dishcloths of thisexample are effective in cleaning soiled dishes.

Example II A disposable paper dishcloth is prepared by printing 8 poundsper 3000 square feet of surface of plastisol formulation B from Table Iin a continuous open-grid pattern consisting of inch squares, thestraight lines of which are at 90 degree angles with and parallel to themachine direction of the paper, onto a continuously moving web of poundbasis weight dry-creped, wet-strength paper. The paper has a dry crepeof approximately 12%. A second continuously moving web of identicalpaper is then brought into contact with the still tacky continuousopengrid pattern so as to sandwich the pattern between the two paperplies and bond them together. The so-formed laminate is then passed intoan oven where the powdered thermoplastic of the plastisol is fusedtogether and to the outer fibers of the paper plies by being subjectedto a temperature of 350 F. for a period of 30 seconds. The laminate isthen treated by spraying it with 24 pounds per 3000 square feet ofdetergent formulation (2) from Table II. This treating procedure resultsin the deposition of approximately 12 pounds per 3000 square feet ofdetergent solids on and in the plies of the laminate. The treatedlaminate is then passed thru a drying chamber which re duces itsmoisture content to a value in equilibrium with the air in the storagearea. Detergent-filled, disposable paper dishcloths having dimensions of'15 inches by 17 inches are then cut from the dried paper laminate andfolded by conventional means. The dishcloth of this ex ample exhibitsdesirable wet-handling and strength characteristics as does thedishcloth of Example I. Polyethylene can be used as the thermoplasticresin in this example with substantially the same results. The detergentfilled, disposable paper dishcloths of this example have utility inwashing soiled dishes.

Example III A disposable paper dishcloth is formed by printing 5 poundsper 3000 square feet of surface of plastisol formulation C from Table Iin a continuous open-grid pattern consisting of /4 inch squares, thelines of which run in the machine and cross-machine directions of thepaper, onto a continuous moving web of pound basis weight wet-strength,dry-creped paper. A second continuously moving Web of Wet-strength,wet-creped paper is then brought into contact with the still tackycontinuous opengrid pattern so as to sandwich the pattern between thetwo paper plies in the manner of Example I. The laminate is then passedinto an oven where the thermoplastic powder in the plastisol is fusedtogether and to the outer fibers of the paper plies by being subjectedto a temperature of 300 F. for a period of seconds. The laminate is thencoated by roll application with 70 pounds per 3000 square feet ofdetergent formulation 5 from Table II. This roll coating procedureresults in the deposition of approximately 23 pounds of detergent solidsper 3000 square feet in the plies of the paper laminate. Thedetergent-filled laminate is then dried and cut into disposable paperdishcloths having the dimensions of 14 inches by 15 inches. Thesedishcloths exhibit desirable wet strength, absorptive capacity, wethandling characteristics and cleansing power for use in the washing ofdirty dishes. Uncreped toweling paper can be substituted for either ofthe paper plies of this example, or both of them, to produce a paperlaminate having desirable characteristics for use as a disposable,detergent-loaded paper dishcloth. The dishcloths of this example can bebonded with a plastisol wherein the thermoplastic resin is polyethylene.

10 Example IV A disposable paper dishcloth is formed by printing 2pounds per 3000 square feet of surface of plastisol formu= lation D fromTable I in a continuous open-grid pattern consisting of /1 inch squares,the straight lines of which are at a 45 degree angle with the machinedirection of the paper, onto a continuously moving Web of 30 pound basisweight, wet-creped, wet-strength paper. A second continuously moving webof 20 pound basis Weight, wetcreped, wet-strength paper is then broughtinto contact with the still tacky continuous open-grid pattern so as tosandwich the pattern between the two paper plies and bond them together.The laminate is then passed into an oven where the thermoplastic isfused in the manner of Example I by being subjected to a temperature of300 F. for a period of 30 seconds. The laminate is then uniformlysprayed with approximately 38 pounds per 3000 square feet of detergentformulation (6) from Table II. This spray coating procedure results inthe deposition of approximately 20 pounds per 3000 square feet ofdetergent solids in the plies of the laminate. The coated laminate isthen passed between squeeze rolls to distribute the detergent solution.The detergent-filled laminate is then dried in the manner of Example I.Detergent-filled disposable paper dishcloths having dimensions of 13inches by 17 inches are then out and folded from the dried paperlaminate by conventional means. The detergentfilled disposable paperdishcloths of this example are use ful in washing soiled dishes and inwiping soiled or wet kitchen surfaces. The A1 inch straight-linedpattern of this example can be replaced by a pattern consisting ofundulating lines forming squares, diamonds, touching circles, and othercontinuous open-grid patterns while maintaining desirable dishclothcharacteristics.

Example V A disposable paper dishcloth is formed by printing 5 poundsper 3000 square feet of surface of plastisol formulation E from Table Ion each side of a 20 pound basis weight, dry-creped, Wet-strength sheetin a continuous open-grid pattern consisting of inch squares. Thestraight lines of this pattern are at a 45 degree angle with the machinedirection of the sheet. Two 15 pound basis weight, wet-creped,wet-strength sheets are then brought into contact with the printedpatterns on both sides of the sheet so that the three sheets are bondedtogether. The plastisol pattern is then fused at a temperature of 350 F.for five minutes. The laminate is then cooled and coated, by rollerapplication, on each outer surface with approximately 27 pounds ofdetergent formulation (4) from Table II per 3000 square feet ofdishcloth. This coating procedure results in a total coating ofapproximately 54 pounds of the detergent formulation and the depositionof approximately 25 pounds per 3000 square feet of detergent solids inthe plies of the laminate. After drying in the manner of Example I,disposable paper dishcloths having dimensions of 14 inches by 15 inchesare cut from the laminate and packaged. The dishcloths of this exampleare particularly useful in washing soiled dishes because of theincreased strength developed in the plastisol pattern by the longercuring period. Uncreped toweling paper can be substituted for one ormore of the plies of the dishcloth formed in this example whileretaining its essential characteristics as a disposable,detergent-loaded paper dishcloth.

Although several specific examples of the inventive concept have beendescribed, the same should not be construed as limited thereby to thespecific formulations of substances or constructions mentioned thereinbut to include various other equivalent formulations of substances andconstructions as set forth in the claims below. It is understood thatany suitable changes, modifications or variations may be made withoutdeparting from the spirit and scope of the invention.

What is" claimed is:

1. A disposable paper dishcloth comprised of a de-- tergent-loaded paperlaminate of at least two plies.of towelling paper, the plies of saiddetergent-loaded paperlaminate being bonded together by a continuousopen-grid pattern composed of pliable thermoplastic resin, and saidlaminate containing organic materials selecte'dfrom the group consistingof the anionic detergents, nonionic detergents and'mixtures thereof.

2. A disposable paper dishcloth as described in claim 1 having'two pliesof dry-creped toweling paper bonded together by a continuous open-gridpattern composed of plasticized polyvinyl chloride.

3. A disposable paper dishcloth comprising of a detergent-loaded paperlaminate ofat least two plies of towelling paper, the outer fibers ofthe plies of said detergent-loaded paper laminate being bonded'togetherby a continuous open-grid pattern composed of pliable thermoplasticresin, said continuous open-grid pattern providing ply separation, andsaid detergent-loaded paper laminate containing organic materialsselected from the group consistingof the anionic detergents, nonionicdetergents and mixtures thereof.

4. A disposable paper dishcloth comprised of a detergent-loaded paperlaminate of at least two paper plies of creped towelling papers, each ofsaid plies having a basis weight of from about pounds to about poundsper 3000 square feet, the plies of said detergent-loaded paper laminateb'eing' bonded together by a continuous open-grid pattern. comprised offrom about 2' pounds to about 10 pounds per 3000 square feet betweeneach of said plies of a pliable thermoplastic resin, and said lam inatecoated on at least one surface with about 12'pounds to about 26 poundsper 3000 square feet of organic solids selected from thegroup'consisting of the anionic detergents, nonionic detergents andmixtures thereof.

5. A disposable paper dishcloth as described in claim 4 wherein each ofthe plies are Wet-creped and have a basis weight of about 20'pounds per3000 square feet.

6. A disposable paper dishcloth comprised of a detergent-loaded paperlaminate consisting of at leasttwo plies of towelling papers, the totalweight of said plies totaling from about pounds to about 50 pounds ofpaper per 3000 squarefeet of dishcloth, the plies of saiddetergent-loadedpaper laminate beingbonded together by a continuousopen-grid pattern comprised of from about 2 pounds to about 10 poundsper 3000 square feet of a pliable thermoplastic resinbetweeneachof saidplies, and said laminate containing at least about 12 poundsper3000'square. feet of organic solidsselected: from the: group consistingof the anionic detergents, nonionic detergents and mixtures thereof,saiddishcloth having a wettensile strengthof at least 550 grams perinch. of width in the weakest direction, a. wet mullen burst test of at.least- .4 poundspersquare inch anda wet tear strength of at. least 3.7units per sheet- 7. A disposable paper dishcloth as described in'claim 6wherein. the pliable thermoplastic. resinis plasticized- 8. A disposablepaper dishcloth as described in claim 6 wherein the pliablethermoplastic resin is plasticized polyethylene'and the laminatecontains about 17 pounds of detergent solids per 3000 square feet.

9. A disposable paper dishcloth comprised of a detergent-loaded paperlaminate consisting of two plies of wet-creped paper containing about25% sulfite hardwood fibers, about 74% sulphate softwood fibers andabout 1% of a polyarnide-epichlorohydrin wet strength resin, each ofsaid plies weighing about 20 pounds per 3000 square feet, the plies ofsaid detergent-loaded paper laminate being bonded together by acontinuous open-grid pattern comprised of about 6 pounds per 3000 squarefeet of a plastisol formulacontaining about 52.5% polyvinyl chloride,about 33% dipropylene glycol dibenzoate, about 13% propylene glycol,together with about 1% of a barium-cadmium stabilizer and about 0.5% ofa pigment, said continuous open-grid pattern rendering not more thanabout 6% of the laminate surface nonabsorbent, said detergent-loadedpaper laminate having applied'thereon about 17 pounds per 3000 squarefeet of detergent solids applied in the form of a liquid detergentformula containing from about 40%. to about 60% of organic materialsselected from the group consisting of the anionic and the nonionicclasses of'detergents.

10. A disposable paper dishcloth as described in claim 9 wherein theorganic materials selected from the. group consisting of the anionicdetergents, nonionic detergents and mixtures thereof are a mixture ofthe ammonium salt of the sulfated condensation. product of one mole ofmiddle-cut coconut alcohol containing about 2%C 66%C 23%C and 9%C alkylgroups with three moles of ethylene oxide together with the alkyldimethyl amine oxide of middle-cut coconut alcoholconabout 2%-C166%-C12, 23%C14, and

9%C alcohols.

11. A disposable paper dishcloth as described in claim 8 wherein theorganic material is a mixture of the sodium salt of the condensationproduct ofone mole of-middlecut coconut alcohol, containing about 2%C1n66%.- C 23%C3 and 9% C alcohols, with 3 moles of ethylene oxide,together with the coconut monoethanol amide of coconut fatty acidshaving an approximate carbon chain length distribution of 8%-C 7%C 48%C12, 7%-C14, 9%C16s 2%C13, 7%0leic,

and 2%--linoleic (the first six fatty acids listed being saturated).

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS1,868,862 Washburn July 26, 1932' 2,178,566 Dike etal Nov. 7, 19392,495,066 Jones Jan. 17, 1950 2,665,528 Sternfield et al Jan. 12, 19542,739,092 Stevenson Mar, 20, 1956 2,868,685 Downs et a1 Jan. 13,19592,896,626 Voigtman July 28, 1959 2,902,395 Hirschy et al Sept. 1, 1959'FOREIGN PATENTS r 568,441 Canada Jan. 6,- 1959 759,136 Great BritainMar. 4, 1952

1. A DISPOSABLE PAPER DISHCLOTH COMPRISED OF A DETERGENT-LOADED PAPER LAMINATE OF AT LEAST TWO PLIES OF TOWELLING PAPER, THE PLIES OF SAID DETERGENT-LOADED PAPER LAMINATE BEING BONDED TOGETHER BY A CONTINUOUS OPEN-GRID PATTERN COMPOSED OF PLIABLE THERMOPLASTIC RESIN, AND SAID LAMINATE CONTAINING ORGANIC MATERIALS SELECTED FROM THE GROUP CONSISTING OF THE ANIONIC DETERGENTS, NONIONIC DETERGENTS AND MIXTURES THEREOF. 